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Career Interviews

Career Interviews

What better way is there to help plan your career path than to hear the stories of others who have already made choices about theirs?

We interview a wide range of people at various stages along their career path, and ask them about the choices they made - about their education, their current job, what they actually do from day to day, and so on. Read their stories to find out how they got to where they are today, and hear their advice to people considering a similar career.

Interview available All jobholders have taken a full career interview as indicated by this icon.
Video Available Some have also been video interviewed at their workplace to give an even greater sense of their job, as indicated by the camera icon.
 

The Interviews...
    Job Title Brief description Typical entry Qualifications Comments
 
  Click for more information Accountants & Tax Experts
Chester Reid
John McElhinney
Jacinta Shinnick
Jeanette Doonan
Maintains knowledge of tax code changes and of accounting procedures and theory to properly evaluate financial information. Makes tax returns on behalf of clients. Leaving Certificate plus professional award. High level niche areas
  Click for more information Air Corps Cadet
Oisin McGrath


Enlists in the Air Corps to train as a pilot flying both conventional and combat aircraft. Leaving Certificate. Many successful applicants are degree holders.
  Click for more information Anaesthetist
Dr Jan Steiner


Anaesthetists are doctors who prevent patients from feeling pain whilst they undergo surgery and other medical procedures. Degree in Medicine
  Click for more information Architect
Ray Harli


Designs, plans and directs the construction of buildings of all kinds and sizes. Degree + Professional award
  Click for more information Army Cadet
Tom Tooher


Enlists in the Irish Army to train as an Officer. Leaving Certificate
  Click for more information Army Recruit
Louise Mc Donald
Keith Lynch

Enlists in the Irish Army to train as a soldier. No formal education requirements.
  Click for more information Auditor
Adele McKeown
Claire Hanrahan

An Auditor is a Professional Accountant who has undergone further post qualification training. Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree
  Click for more information Business Analyst
John Traynor


Provides objective advice, expertise and specialist skills with the aim of creating value, maximising growth or improving the business performance of their clients. A Business Degree or greater with a great deal of expreience in the world of business. High level expertise
  Click for more information Business Consultant
Fiona Dunlevy
John Kehoe
Robert Allison
Provides objective advice, expertise and specialist skills with the aim of creating value, maximising growth or improving the business performance of their clients. Degree or greater
  Click for more information Business Development
Emmet Egan
Eduardo Macias
Fintan O'Brien
Involved in the creation and development of new business opportunities for a company. No formal entry requirements.
  Click for more information Care Assistant
Deirdre Lavelle
Lydia Peppard

Assist elderly or disabled adults with daily living activities at the person's home or in a daytime non-residential facility. No formal education requirements. Evidence of relevant experience required
  Click for more information Change Manager
Roisin Egenton


Works with people at all levels of an organisation to manage the process of changing the way it is structured. Business / Management related Degree
  Click for more information Chef
David Kehoe


Works in a kitchen preparing food, organising supplies and supervising staff. Leaving Certificate + Further Training
  Click for more information Chemist
Brian O'Connor


Researches and analyses the content and structure of chemical substances. Science Degree High level R&D
  Click for more information Civil Service - Administrative Officer
Adele McKeown


Gathers and assesses information to help Government Ministers make policy decisions. Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree
  Click for more information Civil Service - Clerical Officer
Damien Dollard
Marie Coughlin

Assists Senior Officers with clerical work in a government department. Junior / Leaving Certificate
  Click for more information Civil Service - Higher Executive Officer
Sinead O'Hara


Mid-management role, reporting to and assisting the Assistant Principal. Manages projects and budgets and help to develop government policy. Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree plus relevant experience
  Click for more information Civil Service - Third Secretary
Nora Barry


This role involves advising the government on Ireland's external relations and being the official communication channel for foreign governments and international organisations. Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree or greater
  Click for more information Computer Applications Programmer / Analyst
Marc Doyle
Jason Ruane

Writes, edits and alters Application Software Programs for computers. Level 6 Cert or greater in Computer Application or Programming available at IT Colleges throughout I High level niche areas
  Click for more information Corporate Sales Manager
Michelle Ryan


Responsible for the management of sales to corporate clients. Third Level Education an advantage
  Click for more information Customer Advisor
Stephen Stapleton


Responsible for customer service and the development and implementation of plans to support company objectives. Leaving Certificate + Further training
  Click for more information Customer Service Agent
Anne Nutley


Provides customers with support by telephone including dealing with account queries, faulty phones, etc,. Leaving Certificate + Further training
  Click for more information Electrician
Rose Griffin


Installs and repairs electrical wiring and connects to power in all type of buildings. Junior/Leaving Certificate + FAS Apprenticeship
  Click for more information Engineer - Chemical
James Ryan
Angie O'Keeffe
Fiona Coyle
Researches, designs and plans the processes involved in the production of chemicals. Third Level degree in Chemistry or Engineering High level expertise
  Click for more information Engineer - Chemical Process
John Smith
Kerrie Horan
Julie Conlon
Develop economical industrial processes that make the huge range of products on which modern society depends, e.g: food and drink; fuel; artificial fibres; pharmaceuticals; chemicals; electronics, plastics; and clean water. Third Level degree in Chemistry or Engineering High level expertise
  Click for more information Engineer - Civil
Elaine Dillon
Maria O'Neill

Works on the design and construction of structures like bridges, roads and railways. Level 8 Honours Degree
  Click for more information Engineer - Design & Development
John Oliver
Sinead Kenny

Works on the technical design of new products, selecting materials, researching manufacturing processes, testing prototypes etc. Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree High level niche areas
  Click for more information Engineer - Electrical
Billy Condon


Works in industrial, commercial and domestic environments designing, installing and testing electrical hardware. Level 8 Honours Degree High level niche areas
  Click for more information Engineer - Electronic
Denis Canty
Deborah Caffrey
Shane Callanan
Research's, designs, develops, and tests electronic components and systems for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls. Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree High level niche areas
  Click for more information Engineer - Manufacturing
Lynsey Gargan


Manufacturing engineers have expertise in a wide range of manufacturing technologies and computer and management control systems.
  Click for more information Engineer - Mechanical
Damien Mason
Peter LaComber
Afra Ronayne
Elaine McGarrigle
Performs engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversees the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of such equipment as centralised heat, gas, water, and steam system Level 6 Cert or greater High level niche areas
  Click for more information Engineer - Software
Karl Stanley


Develops, creates, and modifies general computer applications software or specialised utility programs. Level 7 or 8 Degree High level expertise
  Click for more information Engineer - Structural
Elaine Dillon
Louise Lynch

Designs and supervises the safe construction of structures like bridges, stadiums and large buildings. Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree
  Click for more information Engineering Production Manager
Andy Mullins


Responsible for the day to day tasks involved in keeping an engineering production process working safely and efficiently. Engineering related degree.
  Click for more information Environmental Officer
Marie O'Donovan


Monitors the environmental impact of the products and processes of an organisation. May also be directly involved in running an environmental management system. Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree in related area, e.g. civil/environmental engineering.
  Click for more information Environmental Technician
Enda Collins


Works to maintain and develop technologies used in the protection and management of our environment. Level 6 Cert or greater
  Click for more information Farmer - Dairy
Denis Reidy


Works on a dairy farm looking after the day to day work involved in managing the animals. No formal entry requirements.
  Click for more information Farmer - Dry Stock
Kieran Magee


Works on a farm helping the farmer or farm manager with his/her running of the farm. No formal education requirements
  Click for more information Fire-fighter
Declan Rice


Responds to emergency calls for all kinds of accidents and disasters including fires. Leaving Certificate + Further Training
  Click for more information Fish Filleter
Brendan White


Works in a shop or factory preparing fresh fish for sale. No formal entry requirements.
  Click for more information Fishmonger
Nicola O'Higgins


Buys fish wholesale and hand-prepares it for retail sales. No formal entry requirements.
  Click for more information Food Safety Consultant
Carol Griffin


Prepares and delivers training courses to individuals and organisations on the most up to date issues in Food Safety Management. Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree
  Click for more information Forester - Professional
Paulina Pawlukojc
Mark O Loughlin

In charge of the management, maintenance and planting of forest plantations. Level 6 award or greater.
  Click for more information Franchisee
Brenda O Loughlin


Runs a business based on the products or services of another larger business. No formal entry requirements, however several years business experience would be normal.
  Click for more information Fund Administrator
Ella Gorska
Therese Gallagher

Manages fund prices and reacts to market prices on a daily basis. Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree
  Click for more information Fund Manager
Aoife Barry
Sharon McBrearty
Michael Devane
Eileen Cullen
An investment expert whose job it is to seek out and manage the best investment opportunities for a clients funds. Level 8 Honours Degree
  Click for more information Fund Supervisor
Richelle Fallon


Supervises a team of Fund Administrators to ensure all investment trades are acted upon and completed in good time. Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree.
  Click for more information Garda
Ronan Quinn
Trevor Laffan
Gail Smith
Louis Harkin
Maintains law and order as a member of the Garda Siochana in the Republic of Ireland. Leaving Certificate
  Click for more information Guidance Counsellor
Brian Howard


Guides and advises young people as they make their career choices. Degree + Postgrad award
  Click for more information Horse Event Rider
Luke Drea


Trains, prepares, and rides horses for professional competitions. No formal entry requirements.
  Click for more information Horticultural Manager
Paul Dowling


Supervises and manages the running of a garden centre or orchard. Level 6 Cert or greater
  Click for more information Hotel - General Manager
Liam Doyle


Responsibility for the functioning of the hotel, co-ordinating the team efforts of staff, securing additional business and controlling costs. Level 6 Cert or greater
  Click for more information Human Resources & Personnel Management
Yvonne Brady
Ejiro O'Hare Stratton
Frank Morrison
Responsible for recruitment of staff, internal staff development, employee training and development. Degree (Various disciplines)
  Click for more information Industrial Relations Officer
Paul Shortt


Works on maintaining a good relationship between employers and their staff in the workplace. Degree (Various disciplines)
  Click for more information Laboratory Manager
Damien Gannon


Has the responsibility for the management of a chemical production or experimental laboratory, ensuring that all safety and quality assurance issues are complied with. Level 6 Cert or greater
  Click for more information Lecturer, 3rd Level
Aoife Mc Dermott


Prepares and delivers lectures to undergraduate or post graduate students on specialist subjects. Honours degree and post graduate qualifications including research and/or work experience.
  Click for more information Librarian / Archivist / Curator
Jonathan Smyth


Supervises and manages the running and organisation of a library, museum or collections of documents or other media. Degree + Postgrad
  Click for more information Library/Information Assistant
Jonathan Smyth


Work within libraries under the supervision of the Librarian. Leaving Certificate + on-the-job training
  Click for more information Management Associate
Gareth Burke


A trainee management position held by graduates on entering an organisation. Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree
  Click for more information Midwife
Siobhan Canny


Cares for pregnant women during both the pregnancy and the birth. Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree
  Click for more information Naval Service Cadet - Seaman
David Fleming


Enlists into the naval service to train as an Executive Officer. Leaving Certificate
  Click for more information Nurse - Intellectual Disability
Liam Dowling


Tends to the special needs of people with intellectual disabilities, working in either residential or community services. Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree
  Click for more information Occupational Therapist
Tomas Flanagan


Assesses patients physical and mental rehabilitation needs and plans programmes to help them. Degree (B.Sc in Occupational Therapy) Niche areas
  Click for more information Outdoor Activities Instructor
Martin Dunn


Works with people on outdoor activity sessions and trips, or teachs them skills in a wide range of outdoor activities, such as rock climbing, orienteering, abseiling and canoeing or hill walking. Level 6 Cert + specialist training
  Click for more information Paramedic
Keith Hayes


Administer first-aid treatment and life-support care to sick or injured persons in pre-hospital setting. Leaving Certificate plus relevant paramedical qualifications.
  Click for more information Pensions Administrator
Linda Byrnes


Looks after the sales and customer relations issues that arise in the delivery of pensions products to individuals and organisations. Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree
  Click for more information Pharmacist
Rachel Berry


Works in a chemist shop dispensing and advising people on the appropriate medicine to use. Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree
  Click for more information Physicist
Caitriona Jackman


Conducts research into physical phenomena, develops theories and laws on the basis of observation and experiments, and devises methods to apply laws and theories to industry and other fields. Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree High level R&D
  Click for more information Potter / Ceramicist
Ray Power


Designs and makes utensils and ornaments from clay and water. Level 6 Cert or greater
  Click for more information Primary School Teacher
Brian Cadigan
Deirdre Sayers
Padraig Parle
Prepares lessons and teaches young children in the first years of school. Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree
  Click for more information Prison Officer
Paul Harding
Margaret Donaghue

Prison Officers are charged with providing and maintaining a safe, secure and humane environment for the confinement of all persons committed to prison in accordance with law. Leaving Certificate.
  Click for more information Production Manager - Manufacturing
Padraig Brosnan


Leads and manages a team of workers involved in a manufacturing production line. Level 7 or 8 Degree High level expertise
  Click for more information Production Planner
Sean O Hara


Plans and prepares the details and resources required for the efficient running of a production process in a manufacturing company. Degree
  Click for more information Psychologist
Elaine MacDonald
Aoife Lyons

Assists people experiencing mental or emotional disorientation regain their mental wellbeing. Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree
  Click for more information QA (Quality Assurance) Analyst
Linda Fitzgerald


Checks the quality of newly produced products assessing them for flaws and faults. Third Level degree in Science






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